Page 2 of Danger

I sprint back to my window and haul myself through it, scraping skin and swallowing pain. Inside, I hear the crash of furniture. I kneel down in my closet and fish out the aluminum bat I left there. It feels heavier than usual, but I’m not sure if it’s just my hands shaking or something warnin’ me not to do it.

I hear Mama scream. Not loud, but the worst kind. It’s a sound that means she’s given up on anyone coming to help.

I’m done. I’m done hiding, done listening to her in pain, done being scared and lettin’ him be the weather that ruins every goddamn day of our lives.

I grip the bat and step into the hallway, feeling something strange fill my chest—like hope, but different. Like the edge of a secret I’ve been waiting my whole life to say out loud.

There’s two ways this ends.

And the only way he’s makin’ it out the front door is if he’s never coming back.

CHAPTER ONE

winnie

CaptainCory

What are you wearing?

WinnieHeartsYou

Silk pajamas and curlers

Thinking about adding fuzzy socks to really complete the look

CaptainCory

Hot

WinnieHeartsYou

And what are you wearing, Captain?

CaptainCory

Face mask

WinnieHeartsYou

…like skincare? Or Michael Myers?

CaptainCory

Yes. Chase you

WinnieHeartsYou

Chase me where? Into a pumpkin patch? Down a dark alley?

I feel like I need clarification

CaptainCory

You chase me?

WinnieHeartsYou

…why would I chase you?